A sea of colour, extravagance and love ensure Pride weekend is something all Liverpool locals should be proud of.

Thousands of people come out dressed in their brightest clothes and waving their rainbow flags, ready to show the world Liverpool really is one of the most diverse and welcoming cities in the world.

Liverpool has always had a strong LGBT+ identity, and for the week beginning the 25th July, we’re ready to celebrate it. 2016 sees Liverpool Pride enter its seventh consecutive year and it’s promised to be one of the most exciting Pride events yet.

20,000 people are expected to turn up to the celebrations, which will culminate with a two-day event on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July where the annual Pride march will take place.

This year, Liverpool Pride will be held in St George’s Quarter including St George’s Hall, The Plateau, William Brown Street and St John’s Gardens. There will be a whole host of events taking place from singers to fashion shows, stalls and bars who will all be situated within the iconic area of the city.

The theme for this year’s Pride is Liverpool Icons and we’re sure we’ll see tributes paid to Liverpool’s most loved stars, including Cilla Black, Lily Savage and John Lennon to name a few.

If you’ve been to pride before, you’ll know what a remarkable celebration is it. For those of you who haven’t been, here’s 12 of the best things about Liverpool Pride.

Overwhelming Sense of Community

There is nothing quite like the sense of community which engulfs the city on Pride weekend in Liverpool.

Whether you’re watching a performer, marching in the parade or simply wearing your rainbow t-shirt, the sense of community is beautiful.

The coming together of the LGBT+ community really is magical, and Pride gives the LGBT+ people of Liverpool the opportunity to bond with other like-minded individuals.

Incredible Musical Line Up

Liverpool is home to some of the world’s most iconic bands and musicians, so it’s no surprise that the line-up for Pride is nothing short of fabulous.

Sonia, Mason Noise and Lucy Spraggan will be headlining the main Saturday event, which takes place in St George’s Quarter along with Eurovision’s Karl William Lund and Christopher Haul.

The Plateau Stage will feature an incredible line-up such as The Ruby Slippers drag queens; Destiny and Phoenix, Gerry Potter, The Martini Lounge and George Gallagher, to name a few.

Pride is notorious for being one big party so get ready to dance the night away.

Amazing Food on Offer

As with any celebration in Liverpool, the food on offer is out of this world.

Served up by Liverpool’s most delicious independents, the Food Village will feature amazing themed street food from artisan food traders.

If you need a drink after all that dancing, head to the Plateau Beach Bar within St George’s Quarter where you can grab a glass of bubbly or a cocktail.

This year, Liverpool Pride has teamed up with Dead Crafty Beer who have created a delicious Pride Pint. For every pint sold, a pound will go towards the Liverpool Pride charity.

Outpouring of Love

Pride means so much to so many people. It’s one of the most significant events in the calendar and one of the friendliest places to be.

Pride is all about love and we guarantee you’ll see numerous loved up couples and maybe even the odd proposal during Pride weekend. Don’t be surprised when a complete stranger starts to dance with you or tried to hug you, embrace it and see Liverpool’s LGBT+ community come together.

The Ultimate Family Friendly Event

This year, Liverpool Pride is back with a bang and a whole new line-up of events and celebrations.

For the first time, Liverpool Pride hosts a ‘We Are Family’ programme of events, which invites everyone of all ages and communities from across the city to come and join in the fun.

Taking place on Sunday 31st July, there will be a whole host of fun activities, workshops and entertainment to keep all of the family entertained. From fairground rides to fashion shows, music and dance, we assure no one will be bored during this year’s Pride celebrations.

On The Garden Stage in St Johns Garden’s, there’ll be performances by a Cilla Black tribute, George Michael tribute and a special performance from Sing with Pride, a collective of six choirs from the Liverpool region.

Be Who You Want to Be

Whether you’re out and proud or still exploring your identity, Liverpool Pride is the perfect place to just be you!

Dress how you like, sing as loudly as you can and, most importantly, have a great time!

Liverpool Pride is the last place you’ll receive judgemental stares so just be yourself, enjoy the weekend and wear that flag with Pride.

Some people may only be out to their friends, others maybe only their partner; but Pride creates an environment where you don’t have to be ashamed, fearful or embarrassed; just be yourself.

See Liverpool Flooded with Colour

Liverpool is a fantastically diverse city filled with people from all over the world.

The rainbow flag is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride and it’s amazing to see the city filled with such colour during the week-long celebrations.

Pride is an amazing opportunity to express yourself and seeing so many people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures wearing their Pride is a wonderful sight.

Credit: Alan Dow Photography

Fantastic Opportunity to Meet New People

Liverpool Pride is one of those events where you really can meet anyone and everyone.

From simply joining in the event to volunteering and fundraising you’re guaranteed to meet a wide number of people with the same values and beliefs as you.

Being surrounded by so many like-minded people is always fantastic and who knows, you could be leaving Pride with a new friend, business associate or partner.

There are numerous opportunities to volunteer at Pride either before the day or during the event. This is another fantastic way to meet new people and share your day with like-minded individuals.

Show Stopping Drag Queens

Liverpool Pride is the event of the year for our cities remarkable drag queens, and we’re sure their outfits have been in the planning for months on end.

There is no holding back as they go all out on their breathtaking outfits, skyscraper heels, bouncy curly blows and exceptional makeup to host this year’s Liverpool Pride.

Liverpool’s drag queens are the icons of Pride and they do an incredible job of representing our city and the local LGBT+ community.

Cred: Liverpool Echo

Celebration of Michael Causer’s Life

Pride was created in the memory of Michael Causer who sadly lost his life as a result of a homophobic attack.

Michael was a trainee hairdresser from Whiston in Merseyside, he was adored by his family & friends and he was proud to be gay.

In late July 2008, Michael attended a house party and whilst he slept, he was the victim of a brutal attack. Michael sadly passed away in hospital on August 2nd, following brain surgery.

The Michael Causer Foundation was created by his parents, Marie and Mike and supported by the local LGBT+ community who rallied around to help his family pay legal fees and funeral expenses.

Michael has never been forgotten and Pride is a way of celebrating his life and empowering the LGBT+ community.

Amazing Creativity on Show

The LGBT+ community is known for being exceptionally creative and Pride is the place to see this creativity come together.

From the drag queens in their incredible outfits to face paint and flags, Pride is the place to really express yourself. So don’t hold back, get out the paint & glitter and go wild.